Ovarian Cancer Postcode Lottery : MP Backs New Scheme

A scheme which aims to bring an end to the Ovarian Cancer Postcode Lottery is calling for the support of all MPs.

All women should have access to the best standards of care and treatment, wherever they live in the UK, says the charity behind their latest campaign report.

Annwen Jones, Chief Executive for Target Ovarian Cancer, said;

“Whilst cancer doesn’t discriminate by address, this new report clearly shows that women with ovarian cancer are facing a life-altering postcode lottery. Women with ovarian cancer should be able to access the best standards available, no matter where they live in the UK.”

Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is key to survival, and women need to know the symptoms in order to visit their GP with concerns. However awareness varies from only 9 per cent of women in the East and West Midlands being confident of spotting the symptoms to 20 per cent in London.

Mrs Jones added;

“This is why we’re launching The Ovarian Cancer Postcode Lottery report and calling on all MPs to make sure that women with ovarian cancer are getting access to the best treatment and care possible. We need to stop women needlessly dying because of where they live.”

“The most important thing is that women know what to look out for. That is why we need a national awareness campaign so that every woman knows the key symptoms which are having a bloated tummy or tummy pain, needing to wee more often/urgently and always feeling full.”

Cancer Research say that Of all those with ovarian cancer in England and Wales, 70% will survive for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed.  Almost 50% will survive for 5 years or more. And more than 33 out of every 100 women 33% will survive for 10 years or more.

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, has signed up to a new campaign to end the Ovarian Cancer Postcode lottery.

Mr Stuart pledged his support in parliament after Target Ovarian Cancer released a new report highlighting the regional differences between survival rates of ovarian cancer, awareness and participation in clinical trials.

Speaking about the scheme Mr Stuart said;

“Several constituents contacted me movingly with stories about their own experiences of ovarian cancer and I was delighted to attend the Target Ovarian Cancer event.  More needs to be done to ensure that all women with ovarian cancer get the support and care that they need, regardless of where they live.”

“I am pleased to have become a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ovarian Cancer and hope the Group will make progress in pushing this issue up the agenda and delivering better outcomes.”